Do you, Charcuterie?

Ready to take that plate of cheese and crackers up a few notches? With a few touches you will impress yourself and make entertaining so much easier.

The 411…

Charcuterie is the culinary art of preparing meat products such as bacon, salami, ham, sausage, terrines, galantines, ballotines, pâtés, and confit. Side note; someone that prepares charcuterie is called a Charcutier.

Leveling Up..

While the true definition of “Charcuterie” only refers to meats and the like, over time the board made room for other culinary delights. Adding a variety of cheeses, jams, honey and pickled treats makes all the difference.

She Salt Charcuterie?

Recently, I attended a private Charcuterie class led by Kelly Holleran of She Salt Charcuterie and it was so much fun! Kelly shared some tips on how to dress your board with salami flowers, cucumber bouquets as well as tasty jams and dried mushrooms (you must try these!).

Kelly, a Flagler College alumni has called St. Augustine home since 1997. She shared a

Kelly Holleran

bit about herself and how her journey has led her to where she is today.

“I’ve had many jobs and some entrepreneurial ventures. I’ve worked in the local restaurants , surf shop, state park & was an appraiser once..

For many years I made appliqué art on clothing and sold my wares at the St Augustine Farmers Markets & festivals & local shops under the name, Indi Loves Harlie. @indilovesharlie.

I started She Salt Charcuterie last February/ March at my brother's bar (Stogies) in downtown St. Augustine. I set up at the outside bar on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights for happy hour & sold little wooden charcuterie boxes. I did pretty well & then started to set up at Dog Rose Brewing & Ancient City Brewing taproom as the food truck option once or twice a month.

Someone asked me if I could make a platter for them for a party they were having… I posted a few photos of it on my Instagram & I started to get more orders… And it grew from there… especially with people sharing pictures on their social media & word of mouth.

I am having the best time shopping for ingredients & sourcing local produce & products & tasting & trying all the things. So many possibilities!”

Get Creative!

So many options; Dry Fruits, Fresh Fruits, Cheeses (3-5 different varieties), nuts, olives, cured meats and something to scoop it all up with; salty crackers, breads whatever you like.

Build it and they will Come…

Get your platter, board or rolled out brown shipping paper and start planning it out. Look through your refrigerator and pantry, grab all the things! Gather some ramekins or small bowls and fill them with olives, pickles, nuts, jellies…I could go on and on..

Sonja's creation from the She Salt class

Playtime..

Roll up the meats, cut up the cheese and place all the lovely fresh fruit all around. Your friends will not judge, they will be pleased with the effort, trust me!

Just starting out?

If the thought of creating your own charcuterie is overwhelming don’t be dismayed! So many lovely, local aficionados are there to help! Either order through one of the many beautiful Instagram pages I have come across or plan a private party class with Kelly! Get your friends to bring some snacks, put out some wine and have a fun, creative afternoon and then you too can call yourself a Charcutier!

Want to be inspired? Check out Kelly’s IG account; shesaltcharcuterie.

XOXO

Sonja